Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in late spring/early summer after last frost in a warm, sunny location. Soil temperatures below 50°F can slow growth. Consider using black plastic and fabric row covers to speed soil warming. Sandy or light-textured soils that warm quickly in spring are best. Hill planting: Form soil into a 1' diameter mound 3 to 4" tall. Space mounds 4-6' apart. On each mound plant 3 seeds. Row planting: See spacing info in chart. Harvest melons when the side leaves and tendrils turn yellow and dried cracking occurs on melon at the base of the stem. As fruit ripens, it produces a nice aroma at the blossom end. Pruning: Pinch the primary stem at the 3rd leaf node to create 2 branches. On these branches, pinch off all third vines up to the 10th leaf node. Leave third vines on between the 11th and 15th leaf nodes and this is where 2 fruits will set. Total yield is 4-8 fruits per plant.